Dark Haven
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Dark Haven

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"# 1 in 2006 for Indie Releases"

BW&BK Issue #94: Melodic death metal like In Flames and Arch Enemy, only with keyboards, Dark Haven comes out both barrels blazing. Before opening track ‘Nightmare’ has finished, the band has proved themselves worthy of a record deal. Superb song writing, fantastic structure and a great guitar solo. Hard to believe this band is from California as they have the Swedish sound down pat. “Symphonic texture and dissonant crunch” are woven together in unbelievable fashion. Not only does Brandon McLaughlin have a perfectly suited raspy, infuriated voice, he plays the bass as well. Also of note is female guitarist Amy Zion. Endless accolades would not be enough to describe how awesome Dark Haven is, hear for yourself ..-Aaron Small [ 9.5/10 ]

Knuckletracks: Issue #95
This southern California band captures the spirit of Dark Tranquillity like no other American act ,but their textures and dimensions go beyond. A patina of sophistication makes all of the band's songs shine, aided by rich production, varied vocals, kick-ass drumming and keyboard textures. Dark Haven will no doubt be signed very soon.- Martin Popoff… Knuckletracks Issue# 95 - BW/Bk


"# 1 in 2006 for Indie Releases"

BW&BK Issue #94: Melodic death metal like In Flames and Arch Enemy, only with keyboards, Dark Haven comes out both barrels blazing. Before opening track ‘Nightmare’ has finished, the band has proved themselves worthy of a record deal. Superb song writing, fantastic structure and a great guitar solo. Hard to believe this band is from California as they have the Swedish sound down pat. “Symphonic texture and dissonant crunch” are woven together in unbelievable fashion. Not only does Brandon McLaughlin have a perfectly suited raspy, infuriated voice, he plays the bass as well. Also of note is female guitarist Amy Zion. Endless accolades would not be enough to describe how awesome Dark Haven is, hear for yourself ..-Aaron Small [ 9.5/10 ]

Knuckletracks: Issue #95
This southern California band captures the spirit of Dark Tranquillity like no other American act ,but their textures and dimensions go beyond. A patina of sophistication makes all of the band's songs shine, aided by rich production, varied vocals, kick-ass drumming and keyboard textures. Dark Haven will no doubt be signed very soon.- Martin Popoff… Knuckletracks Issue# 95 - BW/Bk


"Web Site Review"

With so many bands struggling to reach the top as they plod along and subject us to bland noise while opening for the headliners, its great to see a band with a disc this intense and professional sounding so early on. Dark Haven is a diamond among the musically challenged. And not a diamond in the rough, this one has been polished and honed with fine craftsmanship. It’s obvious that a lot of care has gone into this band and it really comes through on the Your Darkest Hour CD. There is not a weak link on this five track disc. It’s brutal, intense, and shows real skill and songwriting. - On Track Magazine


"Web Site Review"

With so many bands struggling to reach the top as they plod along and subject us to bland noise while opening for the headliners, its great to see a band with a disc this intense and professional sounding so early on. Dark Haven is a diamond among the musically challenged. And not a diamond in the rough, this one has been polished and honed with fine craftsmanship. It’s obvious that a lot of care has gone into this band and it really comes through on the Your Darkest Hour CD. There is not a weak link on this five track disc. It’s brutal, intense, and shows real skill and songwriting. - On Track Magazine


"Skratch Magazine"

This California-based quintet channel their inner Swede on this five-track offering, resulting in a pulse-quickening, heart-pounding, non-stop metallic tour de force. Complete with lush keyboards, drilling guitars, gravel-throated vocals, and destructive drumming, Dark Haven's crisp songwriting and epic recording stands head and shoulders above most unsigned acts, giving the big boys in the genre like Soilwork, In Flames, and Darkest Hour a good run for their money. Look for big things from this real-deal metal outfit. -Mike SOS (March Issue) - Skratch Magazine


"Metal Crypt.com"

Now this is the shit. I get so many bland or awful promos that one like this, a really good one, is even more like gold. In fact I think this may be the best damn disc I have ever gotten as an out-of-the-blue promo. Dark Haven are a Death Metal band from southern California firmly in the Gothernburg school, and this, their debut release, absolutely fucking rages......You can't go wrong with this band, and if you like a good Melodic Death workout with touches of The Crown or even At The Gates, then you will want this disc at any cost. Dark Haven have the stuff to play in the big leagues, and I suppose it is only a matter of time before someone like The End or even Century Media grabs them up and makes them the next big thing. They deserve it. - Metal Crypt.com


"Skratch Magazine"

This California-based quintet channel their inner Swede on this five-track offering, resulting in a pulse-quickening, heart-pounding, non-stop metallic tour de force. Complete with lush keyboards, drilling guitars, gravel-throated vocals, and destructive drumming, Dark Haven's crisp songwriting and epic recording stands head and shoulders above most unsigned acts, giving the big boys in the genre like Soilwork, In Flames, and Darkest Hour a good run for their money. Look for big things from this real-deal metal outfit. -Mike SOS (March Issue) - Skratch Magazine


"Metal Review.com"

Dark Haven is decidedly rooted in the Gothenburg school of sound, mixing the best elements of melodeath mainstays like Dark Tranquillity and In Flames with newer entrants into the genre such as Nightrage, The Duskfall and countrymen The Absence. The result is an entertaining (if not entirely original) EP that’s bound to catch the attention of one or more of the dominant metal labels. - Metal Review.com


"Metal Review.com"

Dark Haven is decidedly rooted in the Gothenburg school of sound, mixing the best elements of melodeath mainstays like Dark Tranquillity and In Flames with newer entrants into the genre such as Nightrage, The Duskfall and countrymen The Absence. The result is an entertaining (if not entirely original) EP that’s bound to catch the attention of one or more of the dominant metal labels. - Metal Review.com


"Featured Demo of the Month"

What a sonic freight train this is, hauling the big iron on a railway headed for complete superiority and success. Really that is what we have here folks, a death defying supergroup on our hands with the ability and the know-how to take things to the next step in terms of this American Heavy Metal sound. California's Dark Haven have just released their first recording to date, a powerful and emotional demo that really puts on a pedestal just what these fine young lads are capable of....Opener "Nightmare" is a blazing affair, really running the gauntlet of keyboards, aggression, and melody. This cut recalls the finest moments of Children Of Bodom, Throne Of Chaos, and Dark Tranquillity, all wrapped up in a dark cloak of goth. Favorite cuts for me are the massive, shellshocked grooves of "Blackheart" and "Your Darkest Hour" - Maximum Metal


"Featured Demo of the Month"

What a sonic freight train this is, hauling the big iron on a railway headed for complete superiority and success. Really that is what we have here folks, a death defying supergroup on our hands with the ability and the know-how to take things to the next step in terms of this American Heavy Metal sound. California's Dark Haven have just released their first recording to date, a powerful and emotional demo that really puts on a pedestal just what these fine young lads are capable of....Opener "Nightmare" is a blazing affair, really running the gauntlet of keyboards, aggression, and melody. This cut recalls the finest moments of Children Of Bodom, Throne Of Chaos, and Dark Tranquillity, all wrapped up in a dark cloak of goth. Favorite cuts for me are the massive, shellshocked grooves of "Blackheart" and "Your Darkest Hour" - Maximum Metal


"Deadtide"

The music on this little EP is well produced, solidly played, and most importantly shows Dark Haven’s strong natural instinct for writing good music. All five of the tracks on this disc are all very convincing for a band’s early work, and brimming with youthful vigor and riffs that would make Jesper Stromblad and Anders Bjorler very happy.... it won’t be at all surprising to see Dark Haven find success with the work they have on this album. - Deadtide


"Hi-Wire Daze"

The five songs feature a good deal of promise, highlighted by imaginitive dual guitar interplay atmoshperic keyboard work. The rhythm section pulsates throughout the entire recording, and the vocal work of Brandon McLaughlin is intense and effective. One of the most exciting new metal bands to emerge from the Southland, it won't be long until we find the mighty Dark Haven signed to a label that can do them justice... There is no doubt in my mind that Dark Haven is going to become very well known and respected all over the world. - Hi-Wire Daze


"Deadtide"

The music on this little EP is well produced, solidly played, and most importantly shows Dark Haven’s strong natural instinct for writing good music. All five of the tracks on this disc are all very convincing for a band’s early work, and brimming with youthful vigor and riffs that would make Jesper Stromblad and Anders Bjorler very happy.... it won’t be at all surprising to see Dark Haven find success with the work they have on this album. - Deadtide


"Opening for Kamelot"

Dark Haven was fantastic, their tightness and maturity really showed this night. They have developed a real smoothness in their musical delivery and a mature power to their sound; I was simply blown away. So, when not taking pictures of them I was busy watching and studying their playing, and enjoying their vibe as they pulled us all in as observers AND as participants. There were a few moments when I noticed some monitor issues, where one or another seemed to be too low or cut off for a moment, but overall I was not really aware of too many problems. It wasn’t until the end of their set, which seemed to come up rather quickly, that the entire crowd got a taste of what had been going on. As vocalist Brandon McLaughlin was beginning to introduce what would be their last song the sound was suddenly cut off and they were forced to leave the stage. Fucking hell! The crowd (myself included) went absolutely nuts. Very supportive and forceful chanting of Dark Haven went up everywhere, as well as some strong expletives. After their set we hooked up and I found out that the entire night backstage had been bullshit, there were hassles from the other band’s road crews, not enough time for a proper sound check and more. Ultimately not the best experience for them. - Review from On Track


"Opening for Kamelot"

Dark Haven was fantastic, their tightness and maturity really showed this night. They have developed a real smoothness in their musical delivery and a mature power to their sound; I was simply blown away. So, when not taking pictures of them I was busy watching and studying their playing, and enjoying their vibe as they pulled us all in as observers AND as participants. There were a few moments when I noticed some monitor issues, where one or another seemed to be too low or cut off for a moment, but overall I was not really aware of too many problems. It wasn’t until the end of their set, which seemed to come up rather quickly, that the entire crowd got a taste of what had been going on. As vocalist Brandon McLaughlin was beginning to introduce what would be their last song the sound was suddenly cut off and they were forced to leave the stage. Fucking hell! The crowd (myself included) went absolutely nuts. Very supportive and forceful chanting of Dark Haven went up everywhere, as well as some strong expletives. After their set we hooked up and I found out that the entire night backstage had been bullshit, there were hassles from the other band’s road crews, not enough time for a proper sound check and more. Ultimately not the best experience for them. - Review from On Track


Discography

Your Darkest Hour EP - 2005
Faceless Sons EP - 2008

Infernal and Faceless Sons are currently being played on BTR and KNAC as well as numerous internet websites throughout the world.

Photos

Bio

Hailing from Temecula, CA, Dark Haven wields a sound all their own. Straight from the school of Gothenburg Melodic Death Metal their sound is heavily influenced by bands such as Dark Tranquility, In Flames and Arch Enemy. By following in the footsteps of their predescesors and combining the influences of all the members, they continue to create a sound unique to only them; a sound so distinct it sets them apart from all the other metal acts. Dark Haven's goal is to become a dominant and well-recognized name not only in the metal scene but in the music industry as a whole.

Throughout the nation their fanbase has been growing at a rapid rate due to constant touring and self promoting as well as maintaining strong relationships with all of their fans. Even as they continue to pack venues full of fans eagerly anticipating their heavy tunes and outstanding stage presence, they maintain a hard work ethic as well as a can-do attitude and a strong bond between the members. With the upcoming release of their new album, Dark Haven hopes to change the face of metal.

Listed Below are a few of Dark Haven's accomplishments since the bands inception:

**2005 - Runner Up - "Battle of the Bands" Nov.2004-Jan.2005 - Showcase Theatre
**2005 - Winner -"Battle of the Bands" Feb.2005-Jun.2005 - Showcase Theatre
**2006 - Best Release of 2006 for an Indie Band - BW/BK Magazine
**2007 - Featured Demo of the Month on: www.maximummetal.com
**2008 - 4.5/5 stars on: www.metalcrypt.com